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BBC 2 documentary to feature score by Stroud musician Richard Pond

Musician Richard Pond, whose composition inspired by the Lemon Field in Minchinhampton is to feature in a BBC 2 documentary called The Planners being screened tomorrow, Thursday, about the fight to preseve the site

A PIANO score composed by musician Richard Pond is to feature in a BBC2 documentary called The Planners about the fight to preseve a field in the heart of Minchinhampton.

The fight to save the Lemon Field captured the imagination of the jazz musician and composer.

Controversial plans for seven retirement homes were reported in the SNJ last summer before being refused by Stroud District Council.

After reading the articles, Richard, 73, was inspired to compose a piece of music which will feature in the first episode of The Planners tomorrow, Thursday.

Richard, who lives in Farmhill Lane, Paganhill, said: "I found the stories in the paper fascinating. I grew up in Minchinhampton and walked past the entrance of the field hundreds of times not knowing it was there.

"I thought all the houses backed onto each other.

"So there was this air of mystery about the field that intrigued me. I was playing around on my piano so thought I would write something.

"The result was a slow and haunting piece which I have titled Lemon Fields."

When Richard heard that the field was to feature in the TV programme he contacted the producers.

"They filmed me playing the piece but I don't know how they are going to use it. It is great exposure my music," he said.

Richard, a retired chartered engineer, is a well-known musician in the Stroud area and has played double bass in jazz groups for more than 30 years.

The episode of The Planners will be shown on BBC 2 at 8pm tomorrow, Thursday.